Acadia National Park is one of the most defining features of Maine. As New England’s only national park, it is an obvious choice for those who love nature and the great outdoors of the region. Simply driving along Park Loop Road is a great way to see it, but hiking is another sure way to visit some of the most notable spots. While we love the mountain views, there’s something to be said for the routes that include the downeast craggy coastline. To see the best of those views, try some of the best coastal hikes in Acadia National Park.
- Ocean Path Trail, 4.5 miles
jorge Ramirez / alltrails.com One of the longest trails on this list of coastal routes, the Ocean Path Trail is a great way to spend the bulk of an afternoon in the park. This is a great one for kids who have an adventurous spirit and it’s an even better way to fall in love with Acadia. Your journey begins with forest but includes everything from sandy beaches to rocky coastline. It’s longer than some, but not terribly challenging as far as elevation goes. You can learn more about it here. Ocean Path Trailhead, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Wonderland Trail, 1.4 miles
Hope Rowan / Maine Trail Finder The Wonderland Trail is just as magical as the name implies! A beautiful route that follows an old road directly towards the water, it offers beauty both along the way and at the coastal endpoint. When you’re done exploring, simply turn around and head back the way you came. You can learn more about it by reading this article. Wonderland Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
- Ship Harbor Trail, 1.8 miles
Anna Badon / alltrails.com This beautiful little hike is a 1.8-mile loop near Bass Harbor. The route winds through the forest but opens up to views of this protected cove. We love that most of it is relatively flat, making it a great option for kids and those just starting out on their love of hiking. You can learn more about it here. Ship Harbor Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
- Gorham Mountain Loop, 3 miles
Madi Syer / alltrails.com While not quite as flat as the others on this list, the Gorham Mountain Loop is a great hike to try as you get more comfortable in Acadia’s outdoors. The trail leads over Gorham Mountain, but then heads right to the coast and Sand Beach. Gorham Mountain Trail, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Compass Harbor Trail, .8 miles
J D / alltrails.com This short-but-sweet route offers the chance to get outside without the hefty activity commitment that comes with other trails in Acadia. The short route takes about 10 minutes one way and offers spectacular water views. Compass Harbor Trailhead, 399 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Great Head Trail, 1.7 miles
National Park Service / Maine Trail Finder This looped trail is considered especially beautiful as the sun begins to set given that it has fantastic views towards the west. It’s also nice that the loop leads directly to the headland for magnificent views out to sea. Great Head Trail (Acadia National Park), Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Hunters Beach and Cliffs Trail, 1.2 miles
Danielle Alvarado / alltrails.com While rated as “moderate” due to the fact that it’s not quite as well maintained as others in the area, this route is relatively flat. It’s also big on beauty. Enjoy views of the rocky coast, but also watch out for your footing. Things can get slippery around here! Little Hunters Beach, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USATrails at Hunter’s Lake, 8500 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
Do you agree that these are some of the best coastal hikes in Acadia National Park? What are some of your favorite Acadia National Park hiking trails? Let us know so we can check them out, too!
jorge Ramirez / alltrails.com
One of the longest trails on this list of coastal routes, the Ocean Path Trail is a great way to spend the bulk of an afternoon in the park. This is a great one for kids who have an adventurous spirit and it’s an even better way to fall in love with Acadia. Your journey begins with forest but includes everything from sandy beaches to rocky coastline. It’s longer than some, but not terribly challenging as far as elevation goes. You can learn more about it here.
Ocean Path Trailhead, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Hope Rowan / Maine Trail Finder
The Wonderland Trail is just as magical as the name implies! A beautiful route that follows an old road directly towards the water, it offers beauty both along the way and at the coastal endpoint. When you’re done exploring, simply turn around and head back the way you came. You can learn more about it by reading this article.
Wonderland Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Anna Badon / alltrails.com
This beautiful little hike is a 1.8-mile loop near Bass Harbor. The route winds through the forest but opens up to views of this protected cove. We love that most of it is relatively flat, making it a great option for kids and those just starting out on their love of hiking. You can learn more about it here.
Ship Harbor Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Madi Syer / alltrails.com
While not quite as flat as the others on this list, the Gorham Mountain Loop is a great hike to try as you get more comfortable in Acadia’s outdoors. The trail leads over Gorham Mountain, but then heads right to the coast and Sand Beach.
Gorham Mountain Trail, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
J D / alltrails.com
This short-but-sweet route offers the chance to get outside without the hefty activity commitment that comes with other trails in Acadia. The short route takes about 10 minutes one way and offers spectacular water views.
Compass Harbor Trailhead, 399 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
National Park Service / Maine Trail Finder
This looped trail is considered especially beautiful as the sun begins to set given that it has fantastic views towards the west. It’s also nice that the loop leads directly to the headland for magnificent views out to sea.
Great Head Trail (Acadia National Park), Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Danielle Alvarado / alltrails.com
While rated as “moderate” due to the fact that it’s not quite as well maintained as others in the area, this route is relatively flat. It’s also big on beauty. Enjoy views of the rocky coast, but also watch out for your footing. Things can get slippery around here!
Little Hunters Beach, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USATrails at Hunter’s Lake, 8500 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
If you’re looking for more trails with water views we have a great little option in Boothbay Harbor. This simple 1-mile loop hike in Maine wanders through forests and fields all along the coast!
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Address: Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
